Tag Archives: detox

Perfume/Odor Sensitivity?

Taurine is an amino acid that works to remove toxic chemicals and metabolites from the body through the phase II liver detoxification pathway. Vitamin B6 is a necessary cofactor the body uses to produce taurine. B6 and taurine levels tend to be low in individuals sensitive to perfume, which usually contain aldehydes that deplete B6 and taurine. If you suffer from a perfume/odour sensitivity, you may want to consider supplementing vitamin B6 and taurine. Also be aware of certain drugs that lower vitamin B6 such as oral contraceptives, amphetamines, chlorpromazine, isoniazid and reserpine. Consult your naturopathic doctor if you think you may benefit from taking taurine and vitamin B6.

Other signs of possible vitamin B6 deficiency: dry cracks in the corners of the mouth (cheilosis), inflammation of the tongue, eczema, fatigue, depression, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and confusion.

The Wonders of Castor Oil

Three of the many uses for castor oil:

1. Improving Digestion  2. Detoxifying the liver,  3. Reducing pain and inflammation (e.g. joint pain).

Here’s what to do:

Take two strips of organic cotton flannel free of any flame retardants, and place some plastic cut out from an old shopping bag between them. Pour a line of castor oil on one of the strips of flannel and place oil-side onto the liver, gut, or site of pain and inflammation. Use a towel to tie around or hold firm with hands to secure for 20 minutes or longer. For fans of Chinese medicine, the prime time for liver detox is 6-8pm as lymphocytes peak 7 hours after treatment, which is “Liver-Time” in Asian med (1-3am).

The molecular weight of castor oil is 298 Da, which means it can be absorbed topically, as it is less than 500 Da. Enjoy!